On a crisp, sunny autumn day, the Office of International Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver led more than 50 international students on an excursion to one of America’s most spectacular recreational areas, Rocky Mountain National Park. The 415 square mile park is known for its majestic snowcapped peaks, clear mountain lakes, thick evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of wildlife.

“My favorite part of the day was the beautiful view from the top of the mountains,” said Lakshmi Muddana, who is earning her master’s degree in civil engineering at CU Denver. The students were able to choose from three different options to see the park – a sightseeing tour, a six-mile hike, or a “Happy Medium,” which entailed an easier three and a half-mile hike.

The sightseeing group began the day at the Alpine Visitors Center with sightings of wild elk and marmots. At 11,796 feet, it is the highest elevation visitor center in the entire National Parks System. After lunch, their bus descended to Bear Lake, passing groves of aspen trees in full fall color.

The ambitious hiking group completed a six-mile round trip hike on the Deer Mountain trail. “Although there were reports of snow on Trail Ridge Road that morning, when we arrived at the trailhead, the sun was shining and the temperature was perfect for hiking,” said Joanne Wambeke, the trip organizer.

The “Happy Medium” group continued to a three-and-a-half-mile hike alongside a river, stopping for lunch along the way. After the hike, they drove up Trail Ridge Road and stopped at Rainbow Curve to take pictures of the expansive view. “Overall, it was a great day that allowed our students to experience both hiking and the view in an unhurried manner,” explained Clay Harmon, the group leader. “And,” he added, “Everyone really enjoyed seeing the wildlife – elk, turkeys, squirrels, ground squirrels, and two snakes!”

“I am thrilled that so many international students were able to take advantage of this trip; they came to Denver from around the world — China, France, and Saudi Arabia,” said Wambeke.

“We are very lucky to have a national park located only 90 minutes from the CU Denver campus.”

Through the coordinated events led by the Office of International Affairs, many CU Denver international students have enjoyed “the best of both worlds” – a strong academic environment and a bustling city life as well as a pristine wilderness that is just a short drive away. For international students at CU Denver, it’s easy to take advantage of everything that Colorado has to offer.

To learn more about the Office of International Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, visit: international.ucdenver.edu.

For more information about admissions, visit: internationaladmissions.ucdenver.edu.